Vote Delayed On Transportation Proposal

March 12, 1996|By CAROLYN MOREAU; Courant Staff Writer

SOUTHINGTON — A local nonprofit agency is in a sticky situation trying to provide low-cost transportation services to disabled adults.

The Employment Development Center in Plantsville says it cannot afford to give free rides. But the state Department of Transportation has told the center that under state law, it must charge taxi rates and hold a livery license for the service.

Officials for the center, however, say they have found a way to charge clients a small fee for transportation, and still comply with the law. But the plan requires the town's cooperation.

At a town council meeting Monday, center officials presented a plan in which clients would buy coupons for transport at town hall. Only disabled adults and elderly people with incomes below the poverty level would be eligible.

Under the proposed plan, clients would pay $5 per ride, roundtrip. The town would keep 15 percent of that money to cover administrative costs, and pass the rest along to the center. It would be the responsibilty of the center to make sure clients qualify for the service, and arrange transporation schedules.

The DOT has said the proposed plan would be permissible under state law because the center is not taking money directly, said Jeanne Benny, the center's executive director.

``This service is not for entertainment,'' Benny said. ``It is to take people to medical appointments or employment in Southington.''

If the town does not agree to participate, the center will no longer be able to provide transportation for needy Southington residents, Benny said.

Wes Babkirk, a resident, told the town council the center's service is the only way his handicapped daughter can get to her job in the afternoons.

Resident Betty Benoit said she is legally blind and can neither drive nor afford to pay for a taxi. The transporation service is her only way to get to work at the Southington Care Center.

Town council members decided not to vote on the issue Monday.

Town Council Chairman Andrew Meade said helping the center administer its transportation service is ``a major step for the community.''

Meade said he is worried that any involvement in the transportation service will leave the town open to possible lawsuits.

But Attorney Robert Izzo said the EDC has $5 million in liability insurance, and would be responsible for any lawsuits.

The council is expected to make a decision on participating in the service at its meeting March 25.